Before even releasing his debut album
Venni Vetti Vecci,
Ja Rule had made a name for himself appearing on cuts by
Mic Geronimo,
DMX, and
Jay-Z, which naturally increased expectations for his first effort. Perhaps the expectations were raised a little bit too much, since
Venni isn't the stunner some may have expected, but it nevertheless is a strong opening salvo.
Ja Rule doesn't bend the rules of East Coast hardcore hip-hop enough to truly distinguish himself, but he does deliver a solid record, filled with tough party jams and good straight-ahead gangsta. If the record runs a little long, it nevertheless has enough fine moments to make this a promising debut. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine